Hot Topics:

Holiday season is a good time for job hunting

By Judit Price, Sun Correspondent

Updated:
12/04/2012 09:58:33 AM EST

Companies continue to see candidates and send out offers. Recruiters are still recruiting. So although December is a month of holidays, it is also an excellent month to look for and find a job. In fact, an Execunet survey of executive recruiters indicates that December is a very important hiring month.

According to human-resource managers surveyed, recruiter commissions tend to increase as the year progresses. They receive more from their companies on contracts that close at the end of the year, so it makes sense for them to get their candidates hired in December. Many managers and internal recruiters feel pressure to hire now for budgetary reasons -- they have the money budgeted, but can lose it if it's not used. They don't want to wait until next year to hire.

In other cases, managers may have spent this year's budget but know that as of Jan. 1, they have more funds available. They may want to make an offer that includes a Jan. 2 hire date.

It's also true that people tend to give notice just before the holidays, then use their remaining vacation time to get through the holidays and start their job hunt in January. This opens up additional opportunities.

In addition, executives and senior managers are often easier to reach (and in a better mood) during the holidays, so they may be more willing to speak with you informally.

Networking is easier during the holidays.

Advertisement

It's a perfectly legitimate reason for connecting and reconnecting with folks on your holiday list, and to use your contact list to meet new people. This is a great time to update them on what's happening with you both personally and professionally. Competition is reduced, because so many job hunters drop out during the holidays.

A recent article in Fortune highlighted a number of holiday tactics. They include building your online network. Reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances is natural at this time of year, so reach out to them on LinkedIn and Facebook, and get caught up with what they're doing these days. Touch base with recruiters.

Volunteering is also a good idea. Many nonprofits need extra help, and lending a hand can lead to new relationships that will help your job search. It feels great to make a difference. It ignites your self-esteem and reminds you of what's going right in your life.

Don't forget to send cards to companies where you interviewed to remind hiring managers that you're still interested. Send a holiday card or even a small gift such a little box of chocolates, along with a note. Also, do not forget to thank everyone who has helped you in your job search so far. Holiday cards are a great way to express appreciation to networking contacts, recruiters, and anyone else you've been in touch with about your job hunt -- and to stay on their radar screens for opportunities they may know about right now.

Attend holiday parties or throw your own. Professional-association get-togethers are particularly helpful. Invite friends for dinner, desserts and coffee, or a glass of holiday cheer. This is a great, low-key way to practice your pitch and reconnect with people who may be able to help you with your search.

Networking is probably the most important resource for information, emerging opportunities, insight into trends, ongoing support, job leads and even customers. Keep in mind that networking serves three purposes: searching for information, establishing connections to help point the way and creating sponsorships to help facilitate the proper introductions.

One important and frequently overlooked principle of networking is the useful information that may be of benefit to others. Others could become very powerful resources later on.

If you plan to attend holiday events, you should treat them as serious networking events. Since you get only one chance to make a first impression with new introductions, plan your networking as though it were an interview. Preparation generally means five golden rules: Know the group/company with which you are engaging; do some research into any openings; know how your skills, experience and accomplishments fit the organization; know why you are qualified; and know why this firm has unique qualities, values or culture that make it a particularly a good fit for you.

Develop and rehearse a short pitch. Make it simple and interesting. It should invite questions and make people want to talk with you. Finally, skip the alcoholic beverages. If you appear out of control, you will be remembered for all the wrong reasons and will never be recommended for anything.

Do not put your job search on the back-burner. You never know who might show up at your next networking event.

Judit Price is a masters-level career guidance counselor, certified career master, international job transition coach and a career development facilitator. She is also a principal at Berke and Price Associates, Skills for Career Services, in Chelmsford. Contact her at jprice@careercampaign.com.

Welcome to your discussion forum: Sign in with a Disqus account or your social networking account for your comment to be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (READ HOW.)
Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Sun. So keep it civil.